TRAINING NEEDS ANALYSIS
FACULTY OF MEDICINE, DENTISTRY & HEALTH
[Skills and experiences that a PGR student should obtain by the end of their higher degree studies]
Student:
Supervisor:
Second supervisor:
Year of Study:
For each applicable skill below, please indicate the extent of your experience and ability by placing an “X” in the most appropriate box where
1 = I have no knowledge or experience of this
2 = I have some knowledge, but no experience of this
3 = I have done this only occasionally
4 = I do this regularly, but require more experience to become proficient
5 = I have extensive knowledge and experience of this
6 = I consider myself highly proficient at this and could train others in the area
“Not applicable” is an acceptable response in some cases, perhaps for some subject specific skills. Experience and abilities should be
justified in the evidence/comments column.
Subject specific advanced training is normally Masters Course units, but needs should be identified, with the appropriate level of
experience marked.
Extent of experience/ability
Skills
1
2
3
4
5
6
Generic skills to become a high level professional in any field.
Ability to convert a research topic into
Evidence of ability
Training Needs
(complete with supervisor)
a testable hypothesis
Ability to demonstrate an innovative
approach to a research question
Ability to Identify, gather, critically
appraise, synthesise and identify gaps
in research literature
Ability to successfully present and
defend own research to peers in both
written and verbal presentations
without resorting to plagiarism
Have an understanding of the
principles of good research practice
including an understanding of
plagiarism, why it is wrong, and how to
avoid it
Ability to keep good records of own
research
Ability to critically evaluate own work
Ability to manage the research
process - including time management
skills; working with and respecting
colleagues
Ability to work independently and be
adaptable to new situations and ideas
Have an understanding of health and
safety issues (including COSHH and
general risk assessment), how these
are applied and what implications
there are for your research and that of
others
Development of interpersonal skills giving and receiving feedback to
facilitate productive interactions in the
workplace
Understanding the transferable nature
of research skills to other work
environments, particularly in the
context of career planning
Ability to appreciate the skills a PhD
provides, and to be able to
demonstrate these in a CV to improve
employability
Subject specific advanced training (e.g. Masters training)
(To be decided after consultation with
supervisor)
Subject specific craft skills.
Have an understanding of the meaning
and importance of research ethics
Have knowledge of statistics at an
appropriate level for your study
To appreciate the difference between
quantitative and qualitative methods
and when each is required.
Have sufficient computer literacy to be
able to perform a systematic review of
the literature
Have sufficient computer literacy to
query biological or other databases
relevant to your general research
specialty (e.g. bioinformatics
databases)
Ability to use some form of reference
manager software
Ability to use word processing and
spreadsheet software
Ability to use common equipment
expected to be found in a biological or
clinical laboratory and ability to
troubleshoot methodological problems
Ability to design experiments, studies
or trials with appropriate use of
qualitative and/or quantitative methods,
and the inclusion of relevant controls
Experience of broad scholarship and wider engagement within the full University Community of Scholars, e.g. networking, dissemination of knowledge,
conferences, demonstrating impact and public value of research
Have some knowledge of the public
understanding of science and ability to
communicate translational benefits of
research to others at all levels
Ability to develop knowledge beyond
your current research area by
assimilating ideas, concepts,
techniques and methods from other
disciplines
Have an ability to network with other
specialists and non-specialists
Ability to support the learning of others
when involved in teaching, mentoring
or demonstrating
Student signature:
Date:
Supervisor signature:
Date: